A BY-election for a seat on Northam Town Council has been won by UKIP candidate Kenny Davis.

Mr Davis has been elected to the parish council after polling 37 per cent of the votes (314) in yesterday’s (Thursday’s) closely-fought contest, held following the resignation of Maria Bailey.

Independent candidate David Berryman received 33 per cent (280), while Conservative James Jackson polled 29 per cent (245).

The turnout was 18.87 per cent.

Mr Davis has thanked his supporters in a letter to the Gazette: “I will give this office my utmost dedication in matters arising in Northam and have the courage to take that one small step towards an independent country that has for too long eluded us.”

Compulsory voting, such as that in Australia, has its problems. Donkey voting, ie just voting for the first person on the ballot paper is an issue. Which is why candidates draw lots to select their position on the paper. At least those who turnout here do actually want to vote. Low turnouts are the product of a variety of issues, including apathy, uninteresting candidates or poor canvassing, or the belief that the candidates are all the same. That said the Australian elections are big money spinners for the local governments so perhaps it is the way forward here as the people who can't be bothered to vote would be the ones paying extra for the services.